Our laboratory is part of a growing group of stem cell biologists at the University of Texas at San Antonio. We study the stem cell system underlying spermatogenesis which are essential for male fertility. A primary interest of the lab is understanding the fundamental biology of these spermatogonial stem cells, normal male germline development, and how stem cells might be used to regenerate spermatogenesis. We are also actively pursuing approaches to preserve fertility in prepubertal male cancer patients.

Our Research

Spermatogonial Stem Cells

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are adult issue stem cells capable of producing all of the germ cells in the spermatogenic lineage. Unlike pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can produce any/all cells in the body, SSCs only contribute to male germ cell production (under most circumstances). SSCs can be manipulated ex vivo using a culture system and evaluated for their biological capacity to produce and maintain spermatogenesis using a functional transplantation assay where they are placed in the seminiferous tubules of infertile recipients and regenerate spermatogenesis. We study the fundamental processes that allow these cells to produce the spermatogenic lineage and the potential utility of these cells in the clinic.